Search 3M Colorquartz product terms for your pool finishing/application needs.
Acid Start-up
The procedure of creating a high acid content in the initial pool water immediately after the installation of exposed aggregate swimming pool finishes. The suitability of use of this procedure must be determined and performed by an experienced applicator.
Acid Wash
The practice of exposing the plaster surface to an acidic solution in order to dissolve stains and/or scale. Depending on the strength of the solution used, a certain amount of the plaster portion of the surface is also removed via this process. However, exposing more of the 3M™ Colorquartz™ Crystals contained in the finish will reveal more of its color for a richer look over time.
Admixture
Any materials added to the plaster mix other than cement, aggregate and water. The most common admixtures include calcium chloride (used to enhance flow and trowel characteristics of the plaster), and coloring agents (to produce black and other colors of plaster).
Aggregate
Marble dust, sand, rocks, limestone, dolomite, pebbles, colored quartz, etc., used as a major component of plaster.
Colored Plaster
Plaster that has been altered in color by the addition of a dye. The most common color variations are blacks, grays and browns, although other shades may be created by the plasterer. Colored plaster has the same characteristics as white plaster, although staining, etching, crazing, and scaling phenomena are frequently more noticeable on colored plaster.
Cracking
A fillable break in the surface, not major, not self curing.
Crazing
Egg shell or spider webbing pattern. The pattern does not permeate all the way through, nor is there an open crack. These cracks are normal drying cracks that occur in all cement products. As the plaster cures under water, these cracks will reseal themselves. In a colored plaster pool, these crazing cracks will be more pronounced.
Etching
Removal of surface material: the etching, pitting, eating away of a material such as the surface of plaster. Etching can be caused by chemical action on the surface side of the plaster or by mechanical action from within the plaster mix or from the shell side of the plaster.
Maintenance of Pool
Proper maintenance of the pool includes chemical balance, proper circulation, effective filtration, and regular cleaning and brushing. All of these factors play a role in water clarity, plaster longevity, and plaster appearance.
